Latch



Feb. 23,1926. 1,574,024 E. CROMPTON ET AL LATCH Filed oct. 5,l 1922 2 sheets-sheet 1 Feb. 23 ,1926. 1,574,024

E. CROMPTON ET AL LATCH Filed Oct. 5, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 23, 1926.

yuNrraD 'siuerfssfJ PATENT' OFFICE.

EDWIN CROMPTON AND CHARLES L. CROOKS, OF PUEBLO, COLORADO, ASSIGNORS TO THE POSITIVEfLOCK COMPANY, OF PUEBLO, COLORADO, A CORPORATION OF COLO- RADO.

LATCH.

To all whom Muay concern:

Be it known that we, EDWIN CnoMPToN and CHARLES L. CRooKs, citizens of the United States, residing at Pueblo, county of Pueblo, State of Colorado, haveiinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Latches; and we do herebydeclare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description otithe invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appersuch particular utility. The term latch is used broadly to include bot-hI lock and latch constructions.

Vehicle doors, especially automobile doors, are generally subjected to severe vi-` bration. Even iff the lparts are' carefully fitted and door bumpers used, the vibration is generally suicient tio cause friction between the door and the frame, resulting in annoying squeaking and rattling when the vehicle is running.` This is true even where the door bumpers extend out so far that the` door can'only be latched` by closing it with a hard slam. In' addition te the wear from these sources, the door and-latch parts' are subjected tov lmu/ch rough usage and many strains and stresses; All this results -in loose-fitting connections with. the attendant'anno-yance of squeaking and `rattling. f v

An object of this invention is to progide a latch which will readily yield to receive the -bolt' or catch to be latchedwhen closing the door, making it unnecessary to slam the door to close it and thus avoiding undue shock and strain on the parts of. the door and latch.

Another *object of the invention 1s, to providea latch in which substantially all play between the parts isautomatically taken up and which vwill cooperate with the latch bolt orcatch to hold it positively and firmly on all'sidesl to prevent the door orlatch parts from rattl-ingand reducing wear of `Jthe parts` to a minimum.

'Ihe above and other objects and novell features of this invention will be apparent from "the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate one form of latchl construction embodying our invention.

j In the drawings,

WFig. l is a side elevational view of a latch construction embodying our invention, the same being shown with its cooperating latch boltor catch in the position which the parts occupy when mounted on the door and door 4 jamb, respectively, of an automobile, part of such door and door jamb being shown in dotted lines. In this view, the latch parts are shown in open or released position. In this position, the door is readyv to be opened.

Fig. 2 is 'a side elevational view of alatch construction embodying our invention similar to thatshown in Fig 1, but

with the latch -parts shown in normal or closed position and the end portion of the latch shown in section on the line 2 2 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the, arrows.

Fig. 4 is an end View looking in the direction of the arrow 4 in Fig. 2, the parts being in closed position with the catch or bolt, shown in section, in position inthe latch.

Fig., 5 is an end view, similar to Fig. 4, butiwith the end plate broken away on line 5-5rof Fig. l and the parts in open position. v

Fig.l 6 is a planview of the bolt or catch.

Broadly stated, our invention comprises latching means yieldable yto receive and hold a bolt or catch to be latched, means for clamping said bolt in engagement with said latching means, and means for operating the latching means to release 'the bolt or catch.

More specilically described, our invention comprises opposed resiliently-pressed members separable one from the other bythe insertion of a bolt or catch therebetween,4 a pivoted abutment engageable .by the bolt or catch entering between said members operable by one of said members to press the bolt against said member and opposed members r`operated by handle means for operating the opposed resiliently-pressed members to release the bolt.

Referring to the Ddrawings, 10 indicates generally the latch casing or mounting which may be of any shape or construction suitable to support the latch elements. In the present instance, the mounting or housing comprises a base plate 13 having an integral substantially right-angle extension forming an end port1on16. A plate 11 having integral extensions forming end portions 14 and 15 is secured to end. portion 16 of the mounting 10 by any suitable means such as rivets 17 and 18. Plate 11 is narrower in width than the width of end portion 16 and when secured thereto a space is left between its edge 11a and base plate 13 for reasons to be explained hereafter. It will be seen that base plate 13, end porition 16 and plate 11-Jwith its extensions 14 and 15 cooperate to form a rigid housing or support for the latch elements made of only two parts. When used on a swinging door, indicated in the drawings 1n dotted lines at D, the latch casing 10 is mounted with end portion 16 Hush with the edge of the door and with base plate 13 flush or nearly flush with oneside of the door. The casing is secured to the door by windows.

door,

screws or other suitable fastening means inserted through holes 19. While we have shown andshall' describe our latch as used on a swinging door with the coo erating latch, bolt or catch .mounted on t e door jamb, it is clear that these positiens may be reversed, the latch being mounted on the door jamb and the bolt` or catch mounted on the door. Furthermore, itis to be understood that our invention is not limited to use on swinging doors or lwindows as it works equal Our inventionwill be described `asused with a stationary bolt always projectinv from the edge .of adoor jamb or used with a bolt or catch which, while normally projecting from the door or doorl jamb, may be retracted todisengage it fronA the latching means. As here illustrated, the bolt or catch B projects from the `edge of the door jamb, indicated in dotted outlines at J,.and as the door is swung shut, the projecting bolt isl engaged and held byA suitable meanswithin te casing 10; While the bolt B may be of anyappropriate form, wehave shown .a very sim le and\desirable form comprisingthe boltproper oh and an l UI attachingplate Id provided with holes to receivegscrewsoroth'er fastening devices with 7 which to fasten it to the door jamb. In

.and compensates for,

visprovided at its inner well on sliding doors or ut it is clear that our latch may be' orderytov allow the bolt to enter the casing',`

adjoining portions at the-corner of base i bolt, but also positively and firmly clamps v"and holds the same on all sides to prevent automatically takes-up loose play between the latch parts and latch bolt or` catch.y In the example illustrated, two opposed hookshaped members 21 and 22 are pivoted in thc space between plates 11 and 16 on pins or rivets 17 and 18, respectively. The hooked ends 210 and 220 of the members 21 and 22 are disposed adjacent the front or forward side of the casing (the side toward the latch bolt or catch) and normally lie almost .in contact with one another in the slot or recess 20, the hook members 21, 22, being pressed toward each other by suitable spring means which, in the arrangement here illust'rated, take the form of coiled springs 21a and 22, respectively, the springs being confined between the casing and the respective hook members. The hook members are each provided with bent" pins 21,b and rattling and which 22h, respectively, and the bent ends '14 and VThe opp/osed edges of the outer extremii ties of the hook members are curved inwardly toprovide a tapering entrance forthe side of the bolt and thus facilitate the separation of the hook members 21 and 22 as thedoor is swung shut. One of the hook members, in this case thev hook memben 22, or pivoted end with a right'angle extension 221, forming in effect a bell-crank lever. The extension end of the hook member 22 is connected by a pivot 23 to one'end of an abutment '24, the other end of which is pivoted at 17 to allogw the abutment to swing across the path of the bolt. "When the hook member 22 swings 0n its pivot it will cause the abutment member 24 to swing on its pivot. The arrangement is such that as thedoor is swung shut, the side o f the projecting bolt enters betweenthe hook members, forcing them apartythe' member 22 causing the abutment mem/kier 24 to swing on lts pivot ,17 back or away from the entering bolt. After the bolt lp/asses the vhookends 210 and 220 of the hook" members,

the hook ends close behindthe bolt to prevent iovement of the bolt in the opposite ldirection to open the door, the'side faces of the hook members adjacent the .bolt engagf ing and pressing against oppositesides of the blt, and the abutment member 24 being swung on its pivot to engage the bolt and force it against the inner faces of the hook ends 210 and 220; It will be seen`that this action not only latches the bolt, but clamps it against all side movement, thus preventing rattling. In order that the bolt may be firmly clamped, the inner surfaces of the hook portions ofthe members 21 and 22 and the part of the abutment 24 which engages the bolt are shaped to conform substantially to the shape of the'sid of the bolt which they engage so that they will have an extended bearing engagement with said bolt.V IVe have shown our invention used in conjunction vvith a V-Shaped bolt, substantially triangular in cross-section, but it is to be understood that any suitable shaped bolt may be used, although we consider the V shaped bolt especially desirable becausea bolt of this shape will enter the latch members very easily. i., The abutment member 24 is provided with a icurved slot 25through which the 'rivet 18 extends. It is desirable to have rivet 18, which forms Va pivot for hook member 22, extend through the casing because by this construction the rivet holds plates 11 and 16 together and the rivet thus supported at its ends in these plates forms a strongrigid pivot for hook member 22. By providing the swinging abutment member 24 with the slot 25 through which rivet 18 extends, rivet 18 may be extended through the casing t`o hold the plates 11 and 16 together without the rivet interfering in any way with the free swinging movement of the abutment member. p

To open the door, the bolt-or catch must either be retracted from between the latch members or else thel latch or hookmembers 21, 22 must beoperated to open them sutH-.

the hook members to release the bolt or catch.

The hook members 21 and 22 are each provided at ytheir' hook'ends with laterally extending lugs 21d land 22d, respectively, these lugs extending into the space provided between plates 11)and 13 closely adjacent to plate 13. Extending between these lugs 21d and 22d are two opposed members 27 andy 28 pivoted to base plate 13 of the casing 10 at 29 and 30, respectively. lVhen these members'27 and 28 swing on their pivots they engage the lugs on the hook members to swing them to release the bolt or catch. Swinging of members 27 and 28 is caused by imparting a swinging movement to one of the members, this member in turn engaging and swinging the other member. In the present example, the member 27 is the actuating member, originally receiving the swinging movement and then transmitting this motion to member 28. As 4shown,\mem yber 27 is a' comparatively short lever oncam, pivoted approximately at its center, the pivot 29 being relatively near the'hook member 22 which member 27 operates. In order to swing the member 27, a lever or handle 31 is connected to the cammember 27 at the pivot point in such a way that when the handle -is operated, the cam member is caused to swing on pivot 29. Handle 31 may be made integral with cam 27 orgthey may be separate pieces connected together and when made, of separate pieces any desired Way of connecting them together so they will turn or swing together may be used. In the cx'- ample illustrated, cam 27 is recessed or transversely slotted slightly to receive the lever, the two being held together by the common pivot 29. Handle 3l is bent to extend through an arcuate slot 32 in plate 13 of the casing and is then bent again so'that when the latch is mounted in the .door` the lever extends generally parallel to and along the inner side of the door and itdesired, the handle may extend a convenient distance above the upper edge of the door. "lVhile cam member 27 is relatively short and pivoted at its center vnear the hook member which it operates, the pivoted lever 28 is relatively long and is pivoted at one end at at a relatively long distance from the hook member 21 which it operates. Cam lever 27 is pivoted within the radius of lever member 28 and the latter is held in engagement-with cam member 27 by a spring 33. Thisl spring holds membersy 27 and 28 together so thatin normal position they are substantially parallel to each other as they -lie between .lugs 21d and 22d ofC the hook members. Any form of spring and mounting may be used, although the form we have shown is very desirable because of its sim- `plicity, durability and eheapness. Lugs 34 and 35 are struck out from plate 13 of the casing, one end of the U-shape spring being secured in an aperture provided in lug 34 and one side resting on and being supported by lug 35. The other side of spring 33 presses against lever 28, resting in agroove 36, :forcing lever 28 toward member 27.

The operation of our device, briefly, is as follows: When the door is swung to close it.,

'the bolt'or catch enters the latch, forcing members 21 and 22 apart, the part 22 in turn moving the swinging abutment 24 away from the entering bolt. As .soon as the bolt has passed the hook ends 210 and 220, the hook members come together to grip opposite sides of the bolt, the hook ends closing behind the bolt to prevent its movement in the opposite direction and the abutment 24 movingtoward and engaging the bolt to force it against the `hook ends. "The bolt is thus securely clamped to prevent all side movement in addition to being securely latched. It is to'be noted that during the time the bolt is being latched, the/operating members 27 and 28 remainv stationary, thus .Vv y

` then engages lug 22i l swing it, while the other end of cam member members for operatmg said member,

`number' of parts easily and cheaply manul-to it the gparts withssuch great care.

avoidingunnecessary compression of spring 33 Aand saving the operating "means from...l members separable one -from the other by useless wear. l c Bthe insertion of a ybolt therebetween, and

To open the door, the bolt must eitherbe. means 'movable transversely of sald latch retracted from between the latch members members comprising cam means and an nor else the latch inembers opened to release termediatelever for operating one of said the bolt.v In the device shown, when it is latch members. desired to open thedoor, the handle mem- 6. Latch means comprising opposed hook ber 3l is operated to swing it and cam memmembers separable one from the. other by ber 27 on pivot 29. One end of member 27 the insertion of a bolt therebetween, and of hook member 22 to means engaging the hook end of one of sai sal d 5. Latch means comprising opposed latch' 27 engages and swings lever' 28 against the means movable transversely of said memtension of spring 33, lever 28 engaging lug ber. 21d of hook member 21 to swing it` 'As hook 7.

Latch means comprising opposed pivmembers 2l and 22 swing open, abutmentoted.I hoek members separable one from the.

24 swings back away `from lthe bolt and the other by the insertion of a bolt therebetween door is free to swing open. and mbans for operating said members com- It will be observedthat we have provided a J very simplecompact latch composed ofasmall transversely of said hook members.

actured, yet which is exceedingly strong -oted hook members resiliently pressed toand durable. The bolt is easily latched, it gether and separable one from the other by being entirely unnece sary to slam. the door the insertion of a bolt therebetween, each to latch it, yet after tie bolt is latched, .the of said members being provided with a latdoor and latch parts are firmly held to preerally extending lug adjacent the hook end vent all rattling or squeaking. Thispis true thereof, a pivoted lever engaging the latereven if'the door is not fitted withy ygreat ally extending lug of one of said hook memcare rto redlfce to a) minimum play between bers, a cam engaging said pivoted lever and the parts,L making our device especially usethe laterally extending lug of the other hook ul in connectionwith'cheaper automobiles member and a handle for operating said where, because ofthe cost, it is not feasible cam.

9. The' combination with a bolt, of clamping mem/bers acting substantially uat right angles to one another adapted vwhen a bolt' Whatwe'cl'mis: t 1. The, combination with a bolt of latch membersI separable one from the other and is moved between the same to automatically y other latch member.

4adapted to receive albolt therebetween, and engage the bolt and substantially prevent means for operating said latch. members rattling.thereof,l and means `for operating comprising opposed members pivoted to said clamping members to release the bolt. '105x swing transversely of the latch members. A 10. The combination with'a bolt, of latch- 2. The combination with Aa bolt, -of latch ing means; projecting in the path of a bblt members separable Ione from'the other .and Amovable to allow the bolt to pass and then adapted torec'eive'a bolt therebetween, and movable to prevent the bolt repassing,

means foi' operating sai/d members'comprismeans operable by said latching means for ing opposed'pipoted members, one of said hsoldingv said bolt in. engagement with the pivoted members en aging one ef said/latch latter, and meansfor operating said latchmembers and the ot er ivotedfwmemberening means to release the bolt. gagmg the first pivoteJ- member and the l1. The combination with 3; Thev combination withaboltref latch jecting in the path of la bolt ovable to members separable onelfromthe` other and allow the belt tovr pass and then movable oadapted to receive a'bolt-therebetween,.and to prevent the bolt repassing, means mov- 8. Latch means comprising opposed piv-J prising opposed members pivoted to swing f r a bolt, 'of latchmg, means therefor. comprising means pro- 1-1 5 means lfor operating said members comable `to engage andl press the bolt against prising apivoted lever engaging one of said satd latching means,` and lmeans for operatlatch members, and caml'meanrs engaging ving'said latching means toprelease the bolt. sald lever and the other ,latch member.'y 12..'*The combinatiomwitha bolt, of latch- 41. Thecombination'witha bolt,y of meansing means projecting in the path ofla bolt' y for latching said bolt comprlsingmembe'rs, movable to iallow. 'the bo t to pass and then separable-one from the 'otherand adapted' movable to prevent vthe c'lt'repass'ing, said to .receive a boltutherebetween, and means latchingmeans adapted to press against and y for operating sch' 'latchmembers comprisclamp said bolt, abutment `means" movable ing .a pivoted-- lever engaging o ne ofisaid to engage and press the boltagainst `said,

4latch members, cam. means engaging said latching means, and means' for-operatinglever )and the. other latch member, and said latching means to release the'bolt.J handle means for operatingsai'ld cam means. .13.' The combinationtwith a bolt, of latching means movable by said bolt and adapt# ed to hold the latter in latched position, a resiliently-pressed' movable abutment, said abutment holding said bolt inengagement `with said latching means, and means for gperatin'g said latch means to 'release the olt.

14. The combination with a bolt, of latch means comprising members separable one .from the other and provided with edges adapted to have extensive bearing engagement'against the sides of a bolt therebetween, said members acting substantially at right anglesnto one another, and means for operating said latch means to release the .able by the bolt entering between said members and holding said bolt in engagement with said members, and means for operating one of said members to release the bolt.

17. Latch means of' the class described comprising, opposed pivoted members having their opposed edges conforming substantially to the shape of a bolt inserted therebetween, spring` means pressing said members-toward one another, a movable abutment, said abutment adapted to press the bolt against said pivoted members, and

means for operating said members to release the bolt.

18. Latch means of the class described comprising, opposed members separable one from the other by the insertion of a bolt therebetween, a pivoted abutment engageable by a bolt entering. between said members operable by one of the members to press said bolt against said member, and means for operating said members to release said bolt.

19. Latch means of the class described comprising, opposed resiliently-pressed pivoted men'ibers-separable )one from the other` by-the insertion of a bolttherebetween, a pivoted abutment engageable by a bolt entering between said members, one of said members being connected to said abutment to operate it to force said bolt in engagement with said members after entry of the bolt therebetween, and means for operating said members to release the bolt.

20. Latch vmeans of the class described .comprising opposed resiliently-pressed pivoted members. separable one from the other by the insertion of a bolt therebetween, a pivoted abutment engageable by.V a bolt entering between said members, one of said members being connectedto said abutment to operate it to force said bolt in engagement with said members after entry of the bolt therebetween, and means for operating said members to release the bolt comprising a pivoted lever engaging one of said members, cam means for engaging said lever and the other member, and means for operating said cam means.

In testimony whereof we hereunto affix our signatures.

EDWIN CROMPTON. CHARLES L. CROOKS. 

